PCDIY Cup Round 1 - New Zealand A v Victoria A (completed)

Victoria A v New Zealand A

Scott, Dover, James, Erschoff, Townsend, Chance, Tiger, Hunt, Oz, Yamadera, Bowler

Dorn, Phlegm, Jackson, Olsen, Hurricane, Howell, Astele, Starris, Hutchinson, Smith, Kirk

This is a match of contrast with a New Zealand side full of established players going up against a Victorian group which is filled to the brim with promising talent.

New Zealand reached the PCDIY Final last season but is in a transitional phase, losing John Heads and Joshua Ritchie to the firsts side. Despite this they are a thoroughly classy outfit with Sticky Phlegm and Peter Jackson more than good enough batsmen for this level along with impressive pace spearheads in Reagan Hutchinson and Geoff Smith. The strong all round abilities of Matt Dorn along with the promising futures of John Hurricane and Ether Starris paint the picutre of a side that can be hopeful of backing up their recent finals appearance.

Victoria has undergone player rejuvenation in the last season with an influx of new players into their province but this leaves their ‘A’ side with a lack of proven performers outside of Nigel Hunt, Dirk Erschoff and Paul Oz. These senior figures will be expected to support a talented group of up and comers. Lloyd Townsend holds the tag of most hyped youngster in the game while Nash Chance, Ryutaro Yamadera and Teddy Tiger have all been sighted working hard in the nets. Victoria suffer from a lack of genuine bowling options and how well Scott and Townsend can roll the arm over may be key to limiting New Zealand’s runs.

The CricSim Herald predicts are comfortable 10 wicket win for the New Zealanders but with Victoria buoyed by twin fifties for Townsend and a five wicket haul from Yamadera.